Fake News in Science

The reasons for creating fake news in science are varied. Some researchers or institutions may be tempted to manipulate data in order to improve research results, secure funding, or enhance their reputation. Others may pursue political or economic interests by deliberately spreading false information to support certain agendas or discredit opponents.

Sometimes, fake news is also created for personal reasons, such as to attract attention or gain career advantages. There is also enormous pressure to publish in many specialist disciplines.

In rare cases, they may even pursue criminal intent, such as stealing intellectual property or sensitive data.

Another problem is the unconscious spread of misinformation. Students or researchers may unknowingly share false data or interpretations because they have not adequately verified the information. This can happen, particularly when the information aligns with existing beliefs or hypotheses.

Fake news in science can be spread in various ways. A common method is the manipulation of data or graphics to support specific conclusions. The deliberate omission of important information or shortening of quotes can also lead to misinterpretation of research results. In addition to abbreviations or manipulation, fictitious results can also be found in research.

Another issue is the use of images or graphics taken out of context or edited to support a specific statement. Furthermore, fake studies or articles can be published in seemingly reputable journals, which increases their credibility. 

In so-called “predatory journals”, the publication of articles is hardly or not at all checked. Some scientists publish in such journals by mistake. Others deliberately choose to publish their articles there, for example to quickly increase the number of their publications, to avoid the long peer review process or because they fear that their article would not pass the quality check in a reputable journal.

Social media platforms and scientific networks also play a role in spreading fake news. Here, false information can go viral, especially if shared by seemingly trustworthy sources.

Fake news in science can have serious consequences. It can undermine trust in scientific institutions and research findings, which ultimately jeopardizes the credibility of science as a whole. This may lead to the questioning of important discoveries in fields such as medicine, climate research, or technology.

Additionally, fake news can damage the reputation of researchers and institutions, especially when used intentionally to discredit specific individuals or groups.

To recognize fake news in science, it is important to critically question and carefully research. Here are some steps that can help:

1. Source verification: Check the source of the information. Was the book or article published by a reputable publisher or journal? Does it have an ISBN or another identifier? Does the website have an imprint?
2. Author research: Who wrote the article or study? Are there indications of the author's expertise and credibility?
3. Layout and design: Is the website or source professionally designed? Are there spelling or grammatical errors that may indicate a lack of professionalism?
4. Networking: What links are found on the website? Do they lead to trustworthy sources or are they questionable?
5. Timeliness: How up-to-date is the information? Was the article or study recently published, or is it based on outdated data?
6. Content verification: Are the facts, data, or numbers correct? Are the data published? Can they be verified by other sources?

If you’re unsure about a source, the subject librarians at the University Library can also be a valuable resource in identifying fake news.

There are several ways to combat fake news in science:

1. Critical examination: Before sharing information, verify its accuracy. Use trustworthy sources and research thoroughly.
2. Education and training: Participate in workshops or training sessions that promote source evaluation and the identification of fake news. The University Library of Mannheim offers workshops on fake news every fall/winter semester.
3. Reporting fake news: If you come across fake news on social media platforms, journals, or in scientific networks, report it to the operators or publishers.
4. Research and projects: Support research projects aimed at combating fake news.
5. Peer-Review: Before something is published, it should undergo a peer review process. This is a form of assessment of articles that are submitted to a journal and whose content and quality are checked and evaluated before they are published. Most scientific journals indicate whether the submitted article has undergone a procedure.